Beautiful Barking Tsundere

Chapter 31

Original Author: ひのはら (Hinohara)
Date Submitted to Kakuyomu: 2021/10/06

Wearing the long boots newly released this autumn combined with a tight miniskirt, Aira tries to make her legs look as long as possible.

She curls her bangs more carefully than usual and uses a thin tip to apply her eyeshadow.

Even though they have seen each other with no makeup on countless times, Aira wants to look her best during the date with the person she loves.

The newly built shopping mall is stylish and crowded with people.

Her heart flutters as she walks inside such a place with Ema by her side.

However, their hands being connected to make sure they don't get separated makes Aira happier than anything else.

Still, holding hands to make sure she doesn't get lost in a crowd... Is she being treated as a kid after all?

Perhaps Ema actually wants to hold her hand, even if it's only a little.

Aira would be delighted if that's the case, but surely Aira is the only one thinking that.

"Do you have to stream today as well?"
"Yes. That's why we need to be home by night."
"Is there anything you want to buy?"
"Perfume. The one that just got released."

The two head up the escalator to an area lined with cosmetic brand stores.

Among the numerous stores, Ema picks a famous brand without hesitation.

"I like the perfumes here, so I check all their latest products."

She asks a clerk to sprinkle some of the new perfume on a scent strip.

After smelling the fragrance, Ema brings the scent strip to Aira's nose.

"I'm thinking of getting this one. What do you think, Aira? Do you like this fragrance?"
"Yes... It's not overly sweet, I like it."
"Then I'll have two of this, please. 50ml for both."

She hands her credit card to the clerk and the transaction completes just like that.

While their purchase is being bagged, Aira asks her something that suddenly comes to mind.

"Why did you buy two?"
"One of them is for you, Aira."
"For me...?"
"As thanks for the superchat."

The clerk hands Aira the paper bag. Aira carries it with both hands to make sure that she doesn't drop it.

She just got a gift from the person she loves. As an added bonus, they'll be able to have the same scent now.

Ema, while remaining clueless about Aira's feelings, can delight Aira like this.
Her casual behavior makes Aira's love for her grow even stronger.

"...So I'll be matching Ema, huh?"

Every time she puts this on, she'll surely remember Ema.
This scent will bring her back to their days together.

Aira tries to prevent her cheeks from softening as she grabs Ema's hand again.
This makes it seem like they really are on a date and will give Aira the wrong idea again.

After having Italian food for lunch, they look at clothes.

Ema doesn't go outside except to the convenience store or to hang out with her friends, so she rarely has opportunities to look at the clothes she buys.

After getting worn out from walking, they head into a cafe and find seats on the terrace to take a breather.

"It's already evening..."
"Time sure flew by quickly."

Maybe it's due to the cafe being in a slightly remote area, but there are few people around.
Besides Aira and Ema, there are no other customers on the terrace.

"...Since that person was having an affair, we never went on dates."
"...Mm."
"Thinking back now, it seems strange. Whenever we met, it was at hotels... that's the same with my sex friends as well, so even though I'm a lesbian, I have no idea what kind of places would make a girl happy..."
"...As long as you're with the person you love, you'll be able to have fun anywhere."
"Aira..."
"A-at least, if it was me, that's what I would think~ Haha..."

Feeling the grip on her hand tighten, Aira turns to Ema in surprise.

The orange evening glow makes her blonde hair shine.

Wearing a melancholic expression, Ema looks so beautiful that it's hard to believe that she's of this world.

"Ema...?"
"I'm so glad that I didn't go all the way that time I got drunk."

Aira tries to choose her words, but Ema continues speaking before she gets a chance to respond.

"A girl as wonderful as you... shouldn't have your first time stolen by someone you don't even like."
"..."
"Aira... find a love that will make you happy."

What is the right reply here?
Ema doesn't intend to fall in love, but Aira wants to be happy together with her.

If Aira tells Ema about her feelings, what kind of face will she make?
She knows that it will only cause Ema trouble, so Aira can only bite down on her lip.

"Whenever you feel like smoking, tell me at any time."
"I think... I'll be fine now."

Ema's words leave Aira breathless.
What exactly does she mean by that?

Is she saying that she'll be fine even without Aira around?
She wants to ask but she's afraid to.

She can only imagine a future where she will be hurt, so Aira runs from Ema's words.